AirTran Airways chairman and chief executive officer, Joe Leonard, has been presented
with the 2006 Tony Jannus Award by the Tony Jannus Distinguished Aviation
Society last night at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, Fla.“Joseph Leonard is the finest airline CEO in the world today,’’ said
Colonel (retired) Frank Borman, pioneer astronaut and 1986 Tony Jannus
Award recipient, who recognized Leonard, on behalf of the society, for his
more than 30 years of achievements in commercial aviation. The Tony Jannus
Distinguished Aviation Society acknowledges individuals who have made a
major contribution to the growth and improvement of the commercial aviation
industry.
  “Since Joe took the helm at AirTran Airways seven years ago, he has led
us to remarkable growth and success through his commitment and drive for
excellence in this industry,” said Bob Fornaro, AirTran Airways’ president
and chief operating officer. “On behalf of the 7,800 Crew Members that make
up our airline, we congratulate Joe on this great achievement.”
  Leonard joined AirTran Airways in 1999 and has since established a
seven-year streak of financial success during an industry-wide downward
trend. Under his leadership, the airline has expanded to 27 new
destinations across the nation, pursued strategic partnerships, including
ventures with XM Satellite Radio and Andretti-Green Racing; and has been
recognized as “Best Airline Value” by Entrepreneur Magazine multiple years.
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